Took my 6mm Rem (Remington 700 VLS) to the range to test some new handloads.

1. 65gr Hornady Vmax and 51gr of VVN-160. The gun didnt like those, groups were in the 5-6cm range (2-2.3 in).

2. 70gr Sierra Matchking and 50grs VVN-160. More or less same results.

3. 70gr Nosler BT and 50grs VVN-160. Now we are getting there slowly, groups are constantly around 25mm (1in)

4. 70gr Sierra Matchking and 52grs VVN-160. Groups are 17-22mm (0.67-0.86in). Top load according to the VihtaVuori manual. Slightly flattened primers and some cratering. Otherwise no pressure indications.

Lots of fun loading and testing, full daylight at 22:30 here by the polar circle when I came back from shooting. Back out tomorrow to test some 270Win loads

I recently had a Mauser rebarreled to 6mm Rem, 1 in 10" twist, 26". Best load for me so far has been 44.5 grs of IMR 4350 and 68 gr Berger's. Groups 3/4" (or better) are pretty easy. Had it out last weekend and did really well on sage rats all the way out to 350 yds.

If I were you, I would try some 87 Vmax.

Thanks for the inputs.

Will definitely try more combinations. The 87gr Vmax sounds interesting.

The dilemma is of course the length of the 6mm cartridge vs. the short action (and magazine) of the VLS.

I know the 'theoretical' limitations a short action may concern one, but they were designed for 100gr bullets, so keep that in mind.

The 6mm is often paired if not mistaken with a 9 twist, but if not perhaps it is a 10 like many 243's.

An old time benchrest shooter told me long ago, NEVER assume anything, try it first as MANY surprised are discovered. He also said if you get a GUT feeling strong enough, long enough, about WHY something is or isn't happening, it is likely true. Interesting advice.

My experience was limited to a Ruger OLD style 77 varmint, chopped at 21" before I received it, NO bedding, trigger work had been done.

Federal brass
47.5gr of H450 IIRC, power no longer mfg
Federal Benchrest primers
97gr IIRC Hammett VLD bullets

5 shots one hole, and I DO mean one little hole and this WAS repeated at 100 yds.

Brass was formed to chamber and partial sized before shooting for groups.

6mm's CAN and DO shoot very accurately. IIRC the Ruger DID utilize the faster 9 or so twist.

48 grains imr 4350
hornaday v-mav 65 gr or McKracken 68 gr
WW case
Fed 210 match primer

47.5 grains of H 414 or W 760 and 75 grain HPs or 80 grain SPs...

Hornady are my favorite but many others substitute just fine in 75 grain.....

80 grain Winchester SPs, or 80 grain Ballistic Tips are two of my favorites with that load...

MV will also be impressive...

I tested 15 different powders, and while all were very acceptable for varmint shooting to 300 to 400 yds, the H 414 load with a 75 grain HP/Hornady, was turning in bench rest accuracy..
groups as small as 0.0505! best I have ever shot with any rifle...in any caliber!